Separatists call for a shutdown in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, Sept 6 : The Coordination committee of both the factions of Hurriyat Conference on Saturday called for a shutdown in the Kashmir Valley.

Residents said that the shutdown call has been given against the indecisiveness of the Jammu and Kashmir Government over the shrine land transfer controversy.

Shops, business establishments, educational institutions and banks remained closed in observance of the shutdown call.

"We are observing this shutdown so that our voice reaches the higher authorities, we want that attention should be paid towards us and that is why the coordination committee has called for a shutdown," said Fayaz Ahmed, a resident.

Others in Srinagar said that the authorities in the region are not being stern and are rolling back decisions frequently.

"The call has been given by the Hurriyat. What we want is that our problems should be addressed. The Government first gives the land, then it takes it away, and then again gives it, I don't know what is happening. We want freedom from all this," said Hameed Hassan, another resident.

The Government recently decided to let the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board make temporary use of 40-hectares of land during the annual pilgrimage.

The Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti (SASS), which spearheaded the agitation in the Jammu region for over two months, had called off its agitation following an agreement with the J-K Government panel on August 31.